Art Quilt Backgrounds

Beyond Log Cabin

Art doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, when you use Judith's unique piecing and innovative appliqué techniques, your first art quilt will feel liberating! A lifelong quilter, Judith pays homage to tradition, but ventures far beyond classic quilting methods to create layers of silk screened images, embellishments and stitching. Power through your stash of scraps by following her fun and creative process of assembling blocks faster. You'll add nature-inspired elements to your quilt top, as she shows you how to easily incorporate leaf and landscape motifs. Break free from ruler tyranny and get inspired!

Lesson 8. Sandwiching & Quilting

Lesson 9. Appliqué

Learn to add layers and leaves, as well as organza for an extra ellegance. Judith also walks you through the art of outlining and layering images.

"This was truly like sitting in the classroom with Judith. My favorite Craftsy online course so far. Instructions were clear and when I wanted to ask something extra the platform allowed Judith to reply to my question directly. A fun topic which was presented in great detail but in a friendly down to earth way." - TerriLaycockFlinders Isld, Tas, Australia

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Lesson plan

13:32

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Judith, learn about her background and get ready to be creative with the various art quilting techniques she'll teach you!

20:03

Lesson 2. Breaking Ruler Dependency

Break it! Your ruler, that is! Judith encourages you to be brave and get wonky by cutting without your trustiest tool.

42:57

Lesson 3. Contemporary Construction

Judith teaches you the basics of contemporary construction techniques with three practice blocks. There's no pressure because she'll also teach you how to shape up your results.

29:11

Lesson 4. Color Impact

Learn to make an impact with your color choices. Judith discusses how to choose great colors and then build on your preferred palette.

Lesson 8. Sandwiching & Quilting

Lesson 9. Appliqué

Learn to add layers and leaves, as well as organza for an extra ellegance. Judith also walks you through the art of outlining and layering images.

The instructor

Judith Trager, Instructor of Art Quilt Backgrounds

Judith Trager is an art quilter from Boulder, Colorado who has been working for the past thirty years to create art quilts and beautiful textiles. She is also an independent curator, most currently of the traveling exhibition "America Celebrates! Quilts of Remembrance and Joy" which began in 2011 at the Longmont (Colorado) Museum. She is also a teacher and her newest instructional DVD is "Designing Landscape Quilts," available through Quilting Arts. Finally, she participate every October in Boulder's Open Studios.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(34 reviews)

A great class

by Mulewoman on February 21, 2015

I am fairly new to quilting so was very appreciative of all the new techniques I learned. The instructor and class were both excellent but I too would have liked to have seen the finished project. As it is now the ending feels incomplete.

I am fairly new to quilting so was very appreciative of all the new techniques I learned. The instructor and class were both excellent but I too would have liked to have seen the finished project. As it is now the ending feels incomplete.

Wonderful class and teacher!!

by melodyale5705382 on January 4, 2015

This is a fabulous class. Judith is a terrific teacher. I love her style and have learned so many unique tips from her. Thank you, Judith! :-)

This is a fabulous class. Judith is a terrific teacher. I love her style and have learned so many unique tips from her. Thank you, Judith! :-)

Beginning Stage Of Building My Blocks

by MacMonkey on December 27, 2014

So far, it's been informative and provided the necessary information to begin. As an experience quilter I find the repeating unnecessary. But, I understand not everyone is experienced. I always make unusual quilts and never from a pattern. This class is right up my alley! (As they say). It will take me further in my journey of quilt designing!

So far, it's been informative and provided the necessary information to begin. As an experience quilter I find the repeating unnecessary. But, I understand not everyone is experienced. I always make unusual quilts and never from a pattern. This class is right up my alley! (As they say). It will take me further in my journey of quilt designing!

Art Quilt Background

by PreBoi on December 7, 2014

I like it so far. I am new to quilting so I am learning a lot.

I like it so far. I am new to quilting so I am learning a lot.

Such A Simple Idea Made Glorious!

by janetteanders on October 3, 2014

Judith is my new best friend! Such an easy informative style and loads of new information. I am so happy I took this class. I just love colour and Judith has shown me a whole new way to use it by combining techniques for a fabulous result. Highly recommend this class!

Judith is my new best friend! Such an easy informative style and loads of new information. I am so happy I took this class. I just love colour and Judith has shown me a whole new way to use it by combining techniques for a fabulous result. Highly recommend this class!

Frequently asked questions

You'll learn the basics of embellished art quilts, including the three basic shapes of contemporary log-cabin blocks. If you want to be more creative - or simply ditch your ruler for an afternoon - this class is for you!